Run That Back: This Week in Music Featuring Alicia Keys, Logic, Pusha T and More
Not as many releases surfaced this week, however there were a few noteworthy drops to add to your summer playlists.
Alicia Keys released a new single. Titled "Hallelujah," the song proves she's still got it and hopefully it'll bleed over into her forthcoming album. This latest cut comes right after she released her last single, "In Common," in May.
If you're still fiending for more "All the Way Up" remixes, the West Coast has one for you. Featuring Snoop Dogg, The Game and E-40, the latest version of the summer '16 smash hit is quite impressive. Here's to hoping all subsequent remixes are this high of quality.
Gucci Mane, Kid Cudi and Miguel, among others all released music this week. Check out what our staff was feeling below.
Fat Joe & Remy Ma feat. French Montana, Snoop Dogg, The Game & E-40 - "All The Way Up (Remix)"
This is going to be one of those situations where every region gets a pass at this track, much like "Detroit vs. Everybody," right? Maybe. But Fat Joe and Remy got to bring this joint out West for a quintessential Cali take on the cut. That "West Side is the best side" chant could stand to chill a bit (sorry, not sorry), but there's really nothing like when Snoop Dogg slides into a track. Big Snoop cuts right through that beat, even calling Papoose his nephew. Game follows, with his cocky bars that are always ALWAYS welcomed, especially with that ODB impersonation on the cut. Having E-40 playing clean up? WHAT? OK, maybe West Side is the best side after all. - Kathy Iandoli
Alicia Keys - "Hallelujah"
My musical relationship with Alicia Keys has been volatile since her 2007 album, As I Am. It’s been mostly due to her live vocals. For my own ears, she hasn’t delivered records and live vocals on a balanced scale. But her latest stint on SNL has repaired major damage in our musical relationship — her vocals seem to have finally made their way to ground that's on par with her recordings. Her performance of “Hallelujah” was an Alicia career highlight in my eyes. The chance that this record might be on her new album gives me hope her and I might make it. I’ve missed you, Leeshy. - Jon Reyes
Stalley - "Champions (Remix)"
Stalley is as excited as anyone that the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals. A Northeastern Ohio native, the Blue Collar rapper decided to drop a track in celebration that isn't so subtle. Remixing Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music posse cut "Champions," Stalley put his own spin on it. "After 52, crown back now / Down 3-1, we did it I'm yelling / 'Cleveland, we did it!' / Got the C on my fitted." Congrats Stalley, and Cleveland. - Paul Meara
Gucci Mane - "All My Children"
If anything, it's safe to say Gucci Mane has the BEST track artwork this week. Producer Drumma Boy provides a haunting landscape for "All My Children," in which Gucci claims that all the current rappers are all his children. Hope they got him a card for Father's Day. - Janice Llamoca
Blu & Nottz - "Atlantis"
Blu and Nottz are back at it again, further showcasing how complementary their collaborations consistently are time after time. With their latest joint endeavor, “Atlantis,” off their forthcoming Titans in the Flesh EP, the two play off of each other’s talents and deliver a feel-good, heady tune. The track has an experimental leaning, distinctive of the pair’s signature styles, and is full of boom bap drums, interesting samples and plenty of creative, introspective bars. A solid offering from the two, who first collaborated in 2013 on their Gods in the Spirit EP. - KC Orcutt